Arabic cuisine is known for its delicious and comforting food, one of which is the famous traditional Arabic pita bread. This soft and fluffy bread is a staple in many Middle Eastern households and is best served warm. In this post, we'll show you how to make your own pita bread from scratch with just a few simple ingredients and tools.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups of warm water
- 2 teaspoons of salt
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 1 tablespoon of active dry yeast
One of the things that make Arabic pita bread popular is its versatility. It can be eaten with hummus, dipped in a saucy dish, or used as a wrap. Now, let's get started!
Tools:
- A mixing bowl
- A rolling pin
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- A kitchen towel
- A bread knife (optional)
How to Make:
- Begin by mixing the flour, salt, and sugar in a large mixing bowl.
- In a separate bowl, mix the yeast with warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Add the yeast mixture to the flour mixture and stir until well combined. Add the olive oil and stir again.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for around 10 minutes until it forms a smooth ball. Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a damp towel. Let it rest for around an hour or until the dough doubles in size.
- Pre-heat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and knead it again for a few minutes.
- Cut the dough into equal-sized pieces (around 8-12 pieces) and form them into balls. Cover them with a towel and let them rest for another 10-15 minutes.
- On a floured surface, roll out each dough ball into circles, around ¼ inch thick. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the pitas for around 5-7 minutes or until they puff up and the surface turns golden brown. Remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Tips:
- For even cooking, it's best to bake one pita at a time. Rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking.
- To make mini-pitas, simply cut the dough into smaller pieces and roll them out to the desired size.
- If you don't have a rolling pin, you can use a wine bottle or any cylindrical object to roll out the dough.
- To keep the pitas soft, store them in a plastic bag or airtight container as soon as they come out of the oven.
Note:
There you have it! Your very own traditional Arabic pita bread. This recipe is simple, easy, and takes around 2 hours to prepare and bake. You can customize it by adding herbs or spices to the dough for a more flavorful twist. Enjoy!
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